Canada Rules for Spouses of Study Permit Holders Oct 2024

Canada is one of the top Countries for foreigners who are looking for schools to study at. However, for some of these students, they could also have some personal reasons as to why they are studying in Canada. 

Which could also make some of them move into Canada alongside their spouses.

The Canadian government via the International Mobility Program (IMP) has established rules to ensure that spouses of study permit holders can accompany them and even contribute to the workforce.

In this article, we will go through the rules, the benefits, the required documents, and a lot of other things that you should know.

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Open Work Permit For Spouses

The Open work permit for spouses allows the spouse of study permit holders to work full-time for any employer in Canada without the need for a job offer or a labor market impact assessment (LMIA).

This basically  helps to grow the Canadian economy.

Extending An Open Work Permit

It is important to note that in the case where the  study permit holder’s program is extended or if they continue to pursue further education in Canada, the spouse may also need to extend their open work permit. 

However, based on the updated rule, if you are extending the open work permit as of today, then you qualify under the updated rules

The extension process is straightforward but it also requires some timely action.

Application Submission Dates

Applications for the work permits can be submitted at any time.

However, it is important to note that for applications submitted on April 30, 2024, or on later dates, the officers may need to see some documents that you have so as to access your application for a spousal open work permit. 

Information regarding these required documents will be shared later on.

Required Documentation

To apply for the spousal open work permit (SOWPs) for spouses and common-law partners of international students, here are some of the required documentation:

• Applicants must provide proof of relationship with their partner. Example of this is a marriage certificate or a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union
• Applicants must provide an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

• Applicants must provide a letter of enrollment verification from the DLI, or transcripts from their current program.
• Applicants must provide a proof of the study permit holder’s status.

Steps To Apply For Spousal Open Work Permit

Here are some of the steps to apply for a Spousal open work permit:

1. Determine Eligibility

Ensure that the study permit holder is enrolled in a full-time program at a DLI.

2. Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documentation, including the passport, marriage certificate, and proof of the study permit holder’s status.

3. Complete The Application Forms

Fill out the appropriate forms available on the IRCC website.

4. Pay The Application Fee

Submit the payment online and save the receipt.

5. Submit The Application

Applications can be submitted online or at a visa office if applying from outside Canada.

6. Wait for Processing

Monitor the application status through the IRCC portal.

Benefits of the New Rules

The new rules for the spouses of student permit holders in Canada comes with a lot of benefits, and here are some of them that you should know:

• Increased Flexibility
• Support for Families
• Pathway to Permanent Residency

Conclusion

The 2024 updated rules made for spouses of study permit holders in Canada provide an excellent opportunity for families to stay together while one partner pursues education.